Numerical and Experimental Investigation of a Modified Solar Basin Using as a Bubbler Humidifier in Humidification-Dehumidification Desalination System

摘要

This article presents a theoretical study and experimental validation of a new solar bubbler basin using as a humidifier in humidification-dehumidification desalination system. The prototype consists mainly of a simple solar basin, filled with water, through which air is forced to travel upwards in form of bubbles. A detailed mass and heat transfer analysis was elaborated to model the dynamic behavior of the new humidifier. It is through a comparison with the experimental data that the validity of the proposed model was tested. The simulation results have revealed that the humidification efficiency and the amount of evaporated water can reach 98% and 6 kg m(-2) day(-1), during the spring equinox. The effects of some operational parameters (water depth, inlet air temperature, and flow rate) were investigated. It was found that the inlet air temperature and flow rate have a significant effect on the water content difference in the humidifier. (c) 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 518-526, 2019